Rising Wildfires and Urban Expansion Impact U.S. Tree Cover

Rising Wildfires and Urban Expansion Impact U.S. Tree Cover

The United States has witnessed a significant shift in its tree cover over the years, with recent data indicating a net loss. The country's tree cover extent spans approximately 279 million hectares, which has seen a net change of -1.23% due to various factors.

A closer look at the historical data reveals that forestry activities have been the primary driver of tree cover loss, accounting for a substantial portion of the decrease. Wildfires have also played a critical role, particularly in regions like California, which recently reported an incident. Urbanization follows as another significant contributor to the reduction in tree cover, reflecting the ongoing expansion of cities and infrastructure.